Plant Biologist and Protein Materials Scientist/Technologist

We are currently recruiting for 2 roles: a Plant Biologist and a Protein Materials Scientist/ Technologist

Location: Invergowrie, Scotland (James Hutton Institute)
Employment Type: Full-time, 4-year contract
Salary: £34,267.00

The James Hutton Institute is a globally respected research organisation dedicated to delivering innovative and transformative science for the sustainable management of land, crops, and natural resources. As we continue to invest in state-of-the-art facilities and expand our research into biochemical sciences, we are seeking two talented and motivated scientists to join our Environmental and Biochemical Sciences (EBS) team: a plant biologist and a protein materials scientist/technologist.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment, supporting both scientific discoveries and industry partnerships. The post will for a crucial part of the James Hutton Institute’s activities in the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC), recently funded by BBSRC, Innovate UK and Industry (£38M). As part of the posts will play a crucial role in delivering on managing our the NAPIC and JHI aspirations in the area of alternative proteins.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Biologist:

• Establish a species germplasm collection and screening programme for protein crops.
• Establish crop derived protein diversity and productivity.
• Establish the antinutrient (non-protein) issues in the target crops that impact on crop protein utility.
• Create a programme of research to identify the key environmental factors driving protein optimisation in target crops.

Protein Materials Technologist

• Develop a suite of protein extraction protocols/systems.
• Utilise the “NAPIC Plant Biologist” (see above) crop germplasm screening biomass for variation in protein productivity, extraction and functionality.
• Access diverse alternative protein feedstocks including micro/macro algae, insects, bacterial, fungi, and primary feedstock processing side streams, and assess for protein productivity, extraction and functionality.
• Work with NAPIC consortia to establish a programme of protein digestibility assessment
• Characterise the antinutrient (non-protein) components in the alternative protein feedstocks that impact on crop protein utility and functionality.
• Take ownership of the NAPIC alternative protein database in terms of feedstock diversity, functionality etc.

Both postholders will also iNAPIC funding programme then via other funders. Also both postholders will be expected to publish papers in the area of alternative protein research.

What We Offer

• Generous holiday entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with limited carryover and guaranteed time off for Christmas.
• Employer contribution of 15% in a personal pension plan, with employee contribution flexibility.
• 35-hour working week with self-managed hours and flexible working options.
• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Participation in the James Hutton Group Life Scheme.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

Plant Biologist

• PhD in plant biology
• Experience in modern crop research and experimental planning
• Experience in modern plant biology analytical tools including genomic and biosynthetic network analytical approaches
• Experience in protein crops

Protein Materials Scientist/Technologist

• Experience in protein extraction, assessment and manipulation in a food context
• PhD in food and/or materials technology biology
• Experience in food and biological material experimental planning
• Experience in modern chemoanalytical and physical testing approaches

Both candidates need to have strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, experience in writing scientific papers, and presenting these outcomes at scientific and general audiences.

About Us

The James Hutton Institute is committed to advancing science for the benefit of society and the environment. We carry out both fundamental and applied research to help meet the future challenges of agriculture, climate change, and the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. Our multidisciplinary teams collaborate with academic, industrial, and governmental partners to deliver innovative solutions for food security, environmental sustainability, and carbon neutrality.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you're interested in the role to using the 'Apply Now' button by 28 May 2025.

For more information about the role or the James Hutton Institute, please visit The James Hutton Institute, crops, soil and environmental research or contact Derek Stewart (Derek.Stewart@hutton.ac.uk) or Raul Huertas (Raul.Huertas@hutton.ac.uk) for an informal chat about the role.

Additional Notes

• Please note the minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa is currently £38,700.00.  If the advertised salary for this posts falls below this threshold, we regret to advise that we may not be able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship to a non-UK citizen for this role.  Applicants who do not meet the conditions to be sponsored as per the UK governments page (https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/when-you-can-be-paid-less) will need to demonstrate an alternative right to work.